Simple Steps to Help Make Recycling Easy

Becoming a recycler is like exercising - we all know we should be doing it on a regular basis; yet when it comes down to following through we often put it off. We get too busy, we forget, we tell ourselves "I'll start tomorrow." Is it really worth all the effort? Definitely! Recycling conserves precious natural resources, saves energy, maintains clean air and water, preserves landfill space, saves money and can even create jobs. And fortunately becoming a consistent recycler doesn't have to be such a challenge. There are steps you can take to simplify recycling so that it becomes just another routine.

One step you can take to make recycling easier is preventing the need for it in the first place. Start making choices create less waste:

* Purchase food products from bulk bins and store them in plastic or glass containers (a bonus is your shelves will be more organized!)

* Stop junk mail in its tracks: send a postcard with your complete name and address and a note requesting to activate the preference service to Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, PO Box 643, Carmel, NY 15012-0643. All organizations that are a member of this service will cease sending mail to you for up to five years, unless you specifically request products, services, or information from one.

* Take note of your subscriptions. Do you have piles of newspapers or magazines waiting to be perused? If so, consider cancelling all but those your read religiously. Read the local paper online. Love the coupons or sales ads? See if your newspaper offers a Sunday-only subscription.

* If you have little ones, check into a diaper service. Costs can be comparable to disposable.

* Utilize reusable products whenever possible: instead of brown bags, find an attractive vinyl or plastic sack for your lunch; refill detergent and other bottles with a concentrated version; buy rechargeable batteries.